Summer Pasta

[25 Minutes]

The word basil comes from the Greek meaning royal or king-like. Early Greeks believed that only the king could cut sprigs from the basil plant. Basil is from the mint family of plants and has a flavor similar to clove and licorice. It is available fresh or in dried form. Use fresh basil to add to summer pasta for an interesting taste.

You'll need:

• 1 cup cooked pasta • 5 tablespoons (Tbs.)olive oil • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 1/2 cup black olives, minced • 1 – 3 ounces (oz.) jar water-packed pimientos, drained • 2/3 cup walnuts or pine nuts • 1 pound (lb.) cooked shrimp or cubed ham • This recipe serves 4.

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through before you begin.
2. Gather everything you’ll need and always remember cooking safety.
3. Before handling food, be sure to wash your hands.
4. In a large frying pan, sauté the garlic in the olive oil for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked pasta.
6. Remove from heat and toss in the rest of the ingredients.

Useful information:

My mom works until 6:00 every night, so when I am at home on summer vacation, I make this pasta salad for dinner. It is easy and doesn’t need a lot of cooking. I serve it with fresh tomatoes on the side. Mom loves it when I have dinner ready when she gets home. (Joel, age 14)